The caterwauling of the barred owl refers to the loud, raucous calls that this species of owl makes, especially during breeding season. Barred owls are large, stocky owls native to North America that get their name from the vertical brown and white barring pattern on their chest and abdomen. When caterwauling, barred owls make a range of vocalizations from deep hoots to shrill, screeching calls. Introduction to Barred Owls The barred owl (Strix varia) is a medium to large owl native to North America. Other common names for this species include striped owl, northern barred owl, and hoot owl. Barred…
Author: Peter Knight
Bird whistles have been used by bird enthusiasts for decades to attract various bird species. But do they actually work? In this article, we’ll examine the evidence behind bird whistles and whether or not they are effective at attracting birds. What are bird whistles? Bird whistles, also known as bird calls or bird lures, are devices that mimic the sounds of different bird species. They are usually small, handheld instruments that allow the user to reproduce chirps, songs, alarm calls, and other vocalizations of birds. Bird whistles have been around since the 1800s and are still popular tools among birders,…
Shearwaters are medium-sized long-winged seabirds that belong to the bird family Procellariidae. There are around 30 different species of shearwater that are found across the world’s oceans. Shearwaters are migratory birds that breed on islands and remote coastal cliffs and spend the rest of the year foraging at sea. Some species like the Manx shearwater have extremely long migrations from their breeding grounds in the northern hemisphere to their wintering areas in the southern hemisphere. Typical Shearwater Lifespan The typical lifespan of most shearwater species is around 15 to 20 years. However, the maximum recorded lifespan can be over double…
Birds are a group of endothermic vertebrates that have feathers, wings, and beaks. All modern birds have vertebral columns and are considered vertebrates. Vertebrates are animals that have a backbone or spinal column. The vertebral column provides support and structure and protects the spinal cord. Birds evolved from small feathered theropod dinosaurs around 150 million years ago during the Jurassic period. Over the course of evolution, birds have adapted a variety of vertebral structures to enable flight, diving, running, swimming and other locomotive behaviors. Today, there are approximately 10,000 living species of birds that inhabit diverse environments and exhibit amazing…
If you find a baby bird with its eyes closed, there are a few things you should consider before taking any action. The first step is to identify if the bird is a nestling or a fledgling. Nestlings are baby birds that have no feathers and must be fed by their parents in the nest. Fledglings are older baby birds that have feathers and are learning to fly outside of the nest. How to Identify if the Baby Bird is a Nestling or Fledgling Nestlings have their eyes closed and very few if any feathers. They will be mostly immobile…
The brown-headed cowbird is a small bird that parasitizes the nests of other bird species by laying its eggs in their nests. This can negatively impact host bird populations when cowbird chicks outcompete host chicks for food. As a result, some people ask if it is legal or ethical to shoot brown-headed cowbirds. There are a few key considerations when examining this question. Is it legal to shoot brown-headed cowbirds? The legality of shooting brown-headed cowbirds depends on local and national laws. In the United States, brown-headed cowbirds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This act…
The Baltimore Oriole is a small but vibrantly colored songbird found in parts of the eastern United States and Canada. Adult male Baltimore Orioles are easily recognized by their bright orange and black plumage. Females and juvenile birds, however, have a much duller appearance. This article will provide a detailed look at what juvenile Baltimore Orioles look like, how they differ from adult birds, and how their appearance changes as they mature. Appearance of Juvenile Baltimore Orioles Juvenile Baltimore Orioles look significantly different from mature adults. While adult males are brilliant orange and black, juveniles are mostly yellowish-orange and brown.…
The yellow-crowned night heron is a medium-sized heron that inhabits wetlands and coastal areas in North America. Assessing the rarity of this species requires looking at its conservation status, population trends, breeding range, and field observations. Conservation Status The yellow-crowned night heron has a conservation status of Least Concern according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means the species is not currently considered at risk of extinction. However, localized populations may be declining in certain areas due to habitat loss and disturbance. IUCN Red List Category The IUCN Red List categorizes species into different levels of…
The yellow Oriole is a small songbird found in many parts of North America. It gets its name from its bright yellow plumage and melodious song. The male Oriole’s singing voice is loud, clear, and complex, making it one of the most recognizable backyard birds. Orioles are popular among birdwatchers for their colorful appearance and musical vocals. But what exactly is the song of the yellow Oriole and what does it communicate? Here we will explore the characteristics, contexts, and meanings behind the Oriole’s song. What Does the Song of the Oriole Sound Like? The song of the male Oriole…